News Release

Monday, July 21, 2003

Suspect Caught in Double Homicide

Los Angeles: On Sunday, July 20, 2003, at about 4:50 a.m., Devonshire Area patrol officers went to a radio call of shots fired at an apartment complex located in the 8700 block of Van Nuys Boulevard. When the officers arrived they located the lifeless body of a White male, lying in the rear parking lot of the apartment complex. Los Angeles Fire Department Paramedics responded and pronounced the victim dead as a result of his wounds.

The Devonshire Area homicide detectives’ investigation revealed that a second radio call regarding shots fired occurred at a residence located in the 14600 block of Novice Street. Officers went to that location, which is approximately one mile from the Van Nuys Boulevard shooting. When the officers arrived they saw a lone Asian male standing in the driveway of the second shooting scene. The Asian male advised them that a gunshot victim was inside the residence. After detaining the Asian male, the officers went to the residence and saw a second gunshot victim lying dead within the home.

Subsequent investigation regarding both cases and the service of search warrants at the residences of the respective victims led the homicide detectives to determine that the Asian male detained on Novice Street appeared to have committed both Murders. A rifle is believed to have been used, and a possible weapon has been recovered.

The victim from the first location is described as a 61 year-old White male. He sustained multiple gunshot wounds in the upper body. The second victim is described as a 61 year-old Asian male. He received multiple gunshot wounds in the upper body. The names of the victims are not being released pending notification to family members.

The motive for the two murders remains under investigation; however, it appears the suspect had disputes with both victims of an unspecified nature.

The suspect has been identified as 24 year-old Tu Luong Hua, a resident of Los Angeles. He has been booked for Murder at Van Nuys Station, where he remains in custody without bail.

Anyone with information requested to contact Devonshire Area Homicide detectives at 818-756-9056. On weekends and during off-hours, contact the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.